Guptill heading back to Derbyshire

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Martin Guptill was Derbyshire's top-scorer in the Friends Life t20 during an outstanding spell with the club he will hope to replicate in 2012

New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill has overlooked the financial lure of the Indian Premier League to return as Derbyshire’s overseas player for the first half of next season.

Guptill, who began prolific form when he played for the county during the second half of the 2011 campaign, will be available from the start of the 2012 term until June 12.

The 25-year-old right-handed opener scored 537 LV= County Championship runs in 16 innings, a pair of match-winning hundreds in the Clydesdale Bank 40 and three blistering fifties in becoming the Falcons’ top-scorer in the Friends Life t20 with 479 in 14 knocks.

He has since hit two tons and as many half-centuries for the Black Caps against Zimbabwe.

Derbyshire head Coach Karl Krikken said: “The news that Martin is returning for a large chunk of the 2012 season is a massive boost for the squad.

“Martin was a match-winner for us on several occasions in 2011 and he also proved to be an excellent influence on his fellow players during his first spell with the club.

“Martin opened the batting with pleasing consistency in first-class cricket as well as turning in some fantastic performances in the one-day forms of the game.

“The experience of playing county cricket will continue to make Martin a better cricketer as his progression as an international player with New Zealand continues.

Chairman Chris Grant added: “Martin is on of the brightest upcoming players in world cricket and I’m delighted he has agreed to return to Derbyshire.

“The best overseas players are those whose performances win matches in all forms of the game. That was certainly the case with Martin last season.

“His commitment to the cause, meanwhile, was typified with his willingness to carry drinks and act as twelfth man during a match late in the season when he was ruled out through injury.

“Everybody connected with the club is thoroughly looking forward to welcoming Martin back to the County Ground – and I’m sure our members and supporters are looking forward to his entertaining performances once again.”

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